Page 45 - Yachter Autumn 2021

RSYC TRUST UPDATE
The work of the Trust has been drastically curtailed since the start of
the COVID-19 pandemic due to the various lockdowns and restrictions. However, we can now start to become active again and are planning a number of events and water activity sessions for the remainder of the year.
In conjunction with the ClassicYoung Sailor Foundation (CYSF) and The Island Trust, and with their generous support in the form of bursaries, we are sending two young people on a one week, financially supported adventure of a lifetime - a one week voyage in the Island Trust’s replica Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Pegasus in the 2021 Classic Channel Regatta. Our two sponsored young sailors will join seven others on board for
six days in early July.The plan is to initially sail/race from Plymouth to Dartmouth over two days before continuing a voyage along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, possibly to take part in a regatta if that is confined to UK waters.
The Island Trust is an accredited sail- training organisation affiliated to the Association of Sail Training Organisations and the RoyalYachting Association.The ClassicYoung Sailors Foundation has had a highly successful collaboration with The Island Trust in running a similar voyage in Pegasus in 2019.
We would like also to thank the Stephen Parry Memorial Fund which has enabled this to happen by kindly making a generous donation to the RSYC Trust. Stephen and Angela Parry have supported the CYSF for many years and we are honoured to be able to contribute to their work.
Focusing on this summer, as I write this in early July, we are now making arrangements for the young carers in Hampshire, whom we have supported since 2016, to attend water activity sessions during the school
summer break.This will includeTaster sessions for complete beginners, many of who will gain skills and confidence and move on to the RYAYouth Sailing Scheme. We have had much success in the past with more than 45 young carers achieving RYA certification between stages 1 to 4. Our aim is to add to these numbers in 2021 and to set young people on the road of sailing and other water activities.
An unexpected result with one young carer is that his involvement in sailing has encouraged him to realise an ambition - a career in the marine industry.We are pleased that several club members have come forward to help him achieve this.
During August we are planning three Young Carer Family Days at Gins.The days are designed to give young people a well- earned break and greater confidence on the water. Activities include sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding , raft building, river trips and crabbing.The young carers are invited to bring family members to watch the action and to enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Beaulieu River at Gins.
New for this summer: During 2020 we were able to obtain 6 paddle boards through a grant from The Skipton Building Society. Grants like this are invaluable to the RSYC charity because they enable us to increase our resources (yachts, boards, life jackets etc), so if you work with an organisation that has a heart, and maybe a social responsibility/ charity budget heading, please talk to us.
The Trust would like to take this
opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who help us in our work.We now have an excellent and growing group of volunteers and instructors who assist with running the family days.
We would not be able to do any of our work with disadvantaged young people without the funding and the generosity of donors and supporters. An important part of our funding comes from the RSYC Commodore’s Charity, and we thank you all for supporting this. One of the easiest and fun ways you can contribute is through the recently re-launched 50:50 monthly draw. Please see website and regular Club e-mail for information.
Graham Tracey Trustee
RSYC TRUST 45